Basic Life Support (BLS) training

I underwent a basic life support (BLS) training last thursday at Global CE of America in Sta. Ana, Manila. This is my 3rd BLS training course, but my 1st training that is AHA (American Heart Association)-accredited. It's more expensive than my previous trainings but it's worth every penny.

Actually, I enrolled into 2 courses - BLS, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Of course, you need to pass the BLS before progressing to the ACLS. During my enrollment, I paid half of the course fees and received the books for advanced reading. I started to prepare a week earlier, and read the BLS manual in just 1 day. Preparing for the ACLS was longer because I also had to review certain ECG tracings and pharmacologic drugs. We were instructed to arrive at class on-time since there are so many topics to discuss in such a limited time. Still, some students arrived late. Oh well... Old habits die hard.


Day 1, July 7, 2011
8am to 1pm


Our BLS instructor, a dermatologist by profession, started on time. After a brief "getting to know you" & laying down of the house rules, we proceeded to watching the videos followed by practice sessions with the mannequins. No lectures were done. The videos simply reiterated what was written on our textbooks, and it also serves as a review. Since AHA regards as all as professionals, they treat us as adult learners. No spoon-feeding. Personally, it's better that way because you're after the skill, the correct manner of doing it. Each part of the BLS algorithm was discussed & shown clearly - starting from 1-rescuer, we started with chest compressions then mouth-to-mask breathing, then 2-rescuer now with the incorporation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) & the correct way of switching roles. It was followed by the child BLS (which was faster) and finally the infant BLS. Like in the adult BLS, the steps are almost the same except for the manner of doing chest compressions, and the ratio of compression-ventilation when there are 2 rescuers. The video also showed how to relieve patients from choking - both in the adult and infant.

Of course, we are evaluated by 2 ways - a practical exam and a written exam. If you've read the book & watched the videos closely, the written exam will just be a "piece of cake". The practical exam is easy too. If you watched the videos closely and took the practice sessions seriously, then it will not be a big problem. You can be criticised by your instructors but they will be just few or minor pointers for further improvement.

In return, we also evaluated the course, the instructors, the place. I had no complains and I gave them high remarks in all aspects. I didn't put on any comments, and I couldn't think of other suggestions for improvement. I was completely satisfied & happy for what I came for.

In the end, I got my ID and certificate. Their valid for 2 years.

I was asked by the Operations Manager if I want to be a BLS instructor with them. I said sure (since being a BLS instructor is a "plus" factor not only for my resume but for practice as well. Oh yeah, source of additional income. Haha!). This seems promising for me. :)